Posted by negotiable on 4/30/08 12:52pm
Msg #245705

True of false?:)

I am told that it is better to be certified to get more work, especially in a competitive market such as CA. True or false?

Also, to add some taste to above Q...
I need to renew my notary license, which expires in a few weeks. What would be the quickest and most cost-efficient way to do it?
thanks to you all, have a great day!

Reply by LKT/CA on 4/30/08 1:41pm
Msg #245709

The certification course really helps those who have no lending/real estate background. For those in the industry, their experience is their "certification". Experience is preferred over the certification. You have a notary commission, not a license. As far as renewing your commission, it would have been better to start the process 6 months before, not weeks before.

I will send you a private message with info on how and where to renew. Make sure you take with you two passport photos as this is a requirement for CA Notaries as of January 1, 2008. Also, be prepared to pay for the livescan fingerprinting ($80) at the class.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 4/30/08 2:09pm
Msg #245716

This site has an excellent value in renewal instruction...

Check the Notary Public 101 tab above.

Reply by christiSocal on 4/30/08 2:43pm
Msg #245724

NR's course of course!

Charles is right. I renewed last June. The 6hr class here is very good and they are very quick and cost efficient!

Reply by czg on 4/30/08 4:45pm
Msg #245742

Re: check p/m n/m

Reply by JanetK_CA on 5/1/08 2:01am
Msg #245780

I also recommend you download and print a copy of the new 2008 Handbood ASAP. Then start studying. All the information about renewal is there. And if you'd studied up enough in the past and stayed current, you might not have been in the situation you're likely to find yourself in soon -- with an expired commission!

Once you've passed the course test, you can take the proctored state exam. The schedule of where and when they are offered is on the SOS website. If you're in a hurry (which you should be), I recommend you try to just show up and see if you can "walk in" instead of signing up. You'll need to have all the required elements with you, but it may be possible. I managed to do that when I took the exam last February because I didn't want to risk not getting it done in time. (My commission expires again this June...) It's all a little bit different than it was four years ago!